
Do you feel the weight of this election bearing down on you? Do you feel the heaviness of what’s at stake for our future, our rights, and our planet? I have never been so engrossed in politics. This time it feels different. It’s personal.
As a woman I’ve faced sexual harassment and inequities throughout my life. Like the women before me, I have been an activist, marching in Washington D.C. for civil rights, attending protests, and escorting women to clinics to ensure safe access to healthcare. For me, this election isn’t just political; it’s deeply personal.
This election climate is really causing me to reflect on so many things.
The blatant hatred for others because . . . why?
The judgment of those we don’t even know and the lack of curiosity to learn more.
The ease with which disinformation is spread and the intention of harm—and there has been harm.
The desire to place one race and belief system above others.
Do we really want a world where everyone must think, feel, and behave in one way? It may seem easier, but at what cost? Even when we seem the same, we are all uniquely different, each of us with our own experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. These differences are a strength, not a weakness. Why should we fear or judge those who don't share our views or our faith? I’m an atheist. Does that make me less deserving of respect or friendship?
Who cares if someone has a same sex partner? They have love in their life. Isn’t that a good thing? Transgender people are simply looking for a more authentic existence that reflects their true selves. We all want to belong as we are. We are all aiming to thrive, feel fulfilled, and take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Lift Up Yourself and Others
In my book Unfinished: Unlock Your Superpowers, Live with Purpose, and Discover Limitless Possibilities, I encourage readers to be clear about what truly matters. What lifts you up and energizes you? Surround
yourself with more of that. At the same time, it’s essential to recognize what depletes your energy—and to consciously minimize it.
During this election season, it’s more important than ever to stay grounded in what gives your life meaning. Focus on your purpose and core values and align your thoughts, actions, and choices accordingly. Make decisions that lift you up, not drag you down. This alignment allows our authentic selves to shine, which is when we are at our best.

The ripple effect of being your genuine self is infinite. Authenticity brings increased fulfillment, energy and wellbeing, and dramatically reduces stress. When we embrace ourselves fully, we naturally extend the same acceptance to others. Compassion for ourselves leads to compassion for others. We are kinder, less judgmental, and more curious. We appreciate that differences are not threats. By accepting others for who they are, we unlock the potential for a more compassionate, understanding world—one where everyone has the freedom to thrive.
But how can anyone truly be their best self when they face constant judgment, contempt, and intrusion? People just want the freedom to be who they are, to belong as they are, and to become the best version of themselves. Don’t you?
Morals Matter
Someone recently mentioned that a candidate's policies matter more than their morals. But here’s the thing: our morals are the principles that guide our decisions and actions. When a leader’s morals are rooted in dishonesty, divisiveness, and self-interest, their policies will inevitably reflect those same values. Morals matter because they shape the choices we make—and those choices have real consequences for others.

I read a book some time ago called Who Do We Choose to Be: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity, by Margaret Wheately. This book presents a historical view and opportunity to learn from patterns of societal collapse over thousands of years. The author encourages us to face reality and err on the side of sane leadership. She challenges us to think about who we choose to be in challenging times and asks us to be “warriors of the human spirit” and serve others over ourselves with kindness and compassion.
We are all leaders, whether in formal roles or in our own lives. And now, more than ever, we need to use our influence to advocate for the collective well-being of all people, not just those who look or think like us. The stakes have never been higher. Choose empathy, compassion, and inclusion. Let’s protect the human spirit together.
Try These Ideas to Stay Grounded Over the Next Week and Beyond:
Identify people, activities, and environments that boost your energy and include more of these in your life.
Distance yourself from things that deplete your energy like social media, news outlets, or specific people.
Use your voice to advocate for those who are marginalized or misunderstood, not just those who look or think like you.
Write down your core values and use them to guide your decisions, conversations, and voting choices.
Fact-check news sources and avoid spreading unverified information, particularly in emotionally charged times like elections.
Challenge yourself to learn about someone’s beliefs or experiences without pre-judgment.
Make an intentional choice to lead your own life with empathy and compassion for yourself and others.
Be an example of what it means to care for the collective good.
I'm on a mission to encourage as many people as possible to live and be their best versions of themselves. I've been on my own journey over the past several years and thought there must be others who have felt like me. Those who experienced self-doubt and let others, things, and roles define them. I discovered I'm not done in my life and realized there are infinite possibilities. So, I wrote my first book with the intention of helping others discover, unleash, and show up as their true selves regardless of the situation, and remove the barriers to fulfillment and possibilities.
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